Sept. 16, 2008
Steve Cole
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-0918
stephen.e.cole@nasa.gov
Stephanie Renfrow
National Snow and Ice Data Center, Boulder, Colo.
303-492-1497
srenfrow@nsidc.org
RELEASE: 08-234
ARCTIC SEA ICE REACHES LOWEST COVERAGE FOR 2008
WASHINGTON -- Arctic sea ice coverage appears to have reached its
lowest extent for the year and the second-lowest amount recorded
since the dawn of the satellite era, according to observations from
the NASA-supported National Snow and Ice Data Center at the
University of Colorado in Boulder.
While slightly above the record-low minimum set Sept. 16, 2007, this
season further reinforces the strong negative trend in summer sea ice
extent observed during the past 30 years. Before last year, the
previous record low for September was set in 2005.
In March, when the Arctic reached its annual maximum sea ice coverage
during the winter, scientists from NASA and the data center reported
that thick, older sea ice was continuing to decline. According to
NASA-processed satellite microwave data, this perennial ice used to
cover 50-60 percent of the Arctic, but this winter it covered less
than 30 percent. Perennial sea ice is the long-lived layer of ice
that remains even when the surrounding short-lived seasonal sea ice
melts to its minimum extent during the summer.
NASA scientists have been observing Arctic sea ice cover since 1979.
NASA developed the capability to observe the extent and concentration
of sea ice from space using passive microwave sensors.
The National Snow and Ice Data Center will issue an analysis of the
possible causes behind this year's Arctic sea ice conditions during
the first week of October. For updates, visit:
http://nsidc.org/arcticseaicenews
For NASA animations and graphics on current Arctic sea ice conditions,
visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/sea_ice_nsidc.html
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